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Get the Look: Ivy Style

I recently attended a press preview of the Ivy Style exhibit at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT). The collection was cleverly curated as if you were on set at an Ivy League university campus (a grass-covered quad, a chemistry classroom, a dorm room) in a sea of Ralph Lauren, Jeffrey Banks, and Brooks Brothers classics.

The exhibit focuses heavily on American menswear from three main decades: the interwar years of the 1920s and 1930s, the post-war era to the end of the 1960s, and the preppy style revival from the 1980s to present. Here are some highlights from the collection along with some project and pattern inspirations to help you evoke your inner Chuck Bass, Carlton Banks, or favorite Heathers girl.

Bow Ties Everywhere: Make a classic bow tie modern using our David pattern. Mix prints or add a pop of color where it’s least expected. Perfect for both ladies and gents.

Take Ivy: Though once a cutting-edge look worn by young men on the campuses of elite East Coast colleges, the Ivy League look has spread far beyond the rarified walls of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton to runways and everyday fashion.

Head of the Class: Here is a selection of the many blazers on view at the exhibit (from left to right): 1. A black blazer with orange trim and 1923 Princeton University insignia by the Brooks Uniform Company. 2. An orange blazer with 1919 Princeton University insignia. 3. A blue blazer with 1916 Yale insignia. Loving these skinny knit ties? Make one using our Osman Tie pattern to go along with our classic Stinchcomb Jacket.

Room to Play: Ladies, lucky for you the rules of prep dress weren’t quite as rigid for women. Here are some of my favorite Ivy-inspired sewing patterns that would make great timeless additions to any wardrobe.

Look on the Bright Side: Pair our Mini-Skirt with knee-highs, textured hose, or a pair of penny loafers. You can never go wrong with a classic Seersucker Dress Shirt or Shirt Dress for those warmer summer months. Switch it up and incorporate some bold colors into your work day.

Bundle Up: For colder months, challenge yourself with a more tailored sewing project. Make a classic trench in a cotton gabardine for those rainy days. Try sewing in wool to create a longer ankle-length coat, or (my favorite) a duffle coat with cute toggle buttons. Still conflicted about what to make? Check out our outerwear gallery featuring member creations for some inspiration.

1 Reply

I was a devotee of the preppy look in the early 1980’s, spent a fortune on classic designs by quality Australian labels, still have a lot of it hanging in my wardrobe (sadly not my size any more), maybe I should try selling it as “Classic Vintage”.

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